Energy Conservation Policy

Clemson University's commitment to energy
conservation was affirmed when President James F. Barker signed the American College & University
President's Climate Commitment in 2007 to actively pursue energy
initiatives to become carbon neutral.
President Barker's leadership provides a strategic direction for our
campus to find ways to minimize global warming emissions and to provide the
knowledge and the educated graduates to achieve climate neutrality. Following President Barker's lead, the
Administrative Council approved the Sustainable
Energy Policy in 2008 that formalized our energy goals and energy
initiatives for our campus. Our primary goal is to reduce our energy consumption
per gross square foot of building
space by 1% per year. Our
long-term goal is reduce overall energy consumption by 20 percent by 2020.

Clemson plans to achieve these goals by
promoting sustainable energy initiatives and proactively working with the
campus community on conservation efforts.
Energy conservation is the responsibility of all students, faculty and
staff members. Clemson students have the potential for making the most significant
impact on our energy demand. Clemson
Facilities has an Energy Awareness website where students can learn energy
conservation tips:

In addition, students can track Clemson's goal
towards carbon neutrality. Students are
encouraged to become active participants by making their pledge to use less
energy and promote energy conservation. By
taking the Energy Pledge, students promise to:

Adhere to
the heating and cooling temperatures as set forth in our Sustainable Energy
Policy

Turn off
lights and use natural lighting if possible

Turn off
office and lab equipment unless in use

Unplug
office equipment when possible, especially at night and on weekends

Keep
windows closed in conditioned space

Dress
appropriately for season

Use hot
water sparingly

Become
knowledgeable about energy conservation

Recruit
friends and family to conserve energy

Clemson University students must
become environmentally aware of their activities and the subsequent energy
demands imposed if they are to become exceptional global citizens with a moral
responsibility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.